Our God is not a God of confusion, but of order.

                                                       1 Corinthians 14:33

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.

                                                      Ephesians 4:16

Since my move to a retirement community a year ago, my daily routine has seen changes occur. Most days I start with a walk through parts of the community which includes the lobby. As I briskly walk greeting others with a cheery good morning, my attention is always drawn toward a large table with an ongoing jigsaw puzzle. It fascinates me! I love watching the progression from day to day, from the confusion and chaos of emptying the puzzle box to the spectacular colors and scenery of the completed effort. I am in awe of those sitting and working through these puzzles day after day with patience and determination. And I might add that these puzzles have 1000-2000 pieces!!

I had been following one very beautiful puzzle with what seemed like hundreds of shades of blue and could hardly wait to see its completion. One morning as I directed myself toward the table, I could feel the excitement rise . The puzzle was complete! As I approached the table, I noticed an empty spot in the middle of the puzzle.  One piece was missing!  Nine hundred and ninety nine pieces joined together to form an almost perfect picture. One was nowhere to be found. 

As I walked away I thought about how our lives are a masterpiece that God has created. He knows when and where every piece fits. His plan includes a grace-filled life that is filled with hope and joy. Even though we may try to fit the puzzle pieces where we think they belong and we may arrange them by color and edges, without God our puzzle will not be complete.

Looking at the puzzle pieces of our lives, we can always lean on the one who knows where our life has been, where it is now and where it will be in the future. Open your heart to Him and trust His hand and your masterpiece will be complete.

Perhaps we should follow Denzel Washington’s advice……

“ I pray that you put your slippers under your bed tonight so that when you wake up in the morning you have to get on your knees to reach them. And while you’re down there say thank you. Thank you for grace, thank you for mercy, thank you for understanding, thank you for wisdom, thank you for love. Put God first!” AMEN.

Barb Schneider